Low-Cost Print System for Micro-Dispensing

The capabilities and benefits of micro-dispensing technology apply across a broad spectrum of industries, particularly for applications such as; diagnostic reagents, proteins, DNA analysis, biomedical materials, optical and electrical polymers, adhesives and liquid solder. For many potential users, such as those who want to conduct exploratory investigations or conduct research into the benefits of micro-dispense technology, the requirement is for a small scale, lower-cost system.

To meet this need, MicroFab Technologies, specialists in developing micro-dispensing systems and represented in the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland by HORIZON INSTRUMENTS, have introduced jetlab^® 4, a compact, low-cost print station.

The Jetlab^® 4 system enables users to explore the potential of micro-dispense technology in the most affordable, practical way, with a system which features proven technology as used in full-scale MicroFab dispensing systems operating in numerous applications around the world. The system is available in a choice of options; with a CCD camera to facilitate substrate observation, with a heated substrate and / or printhead, with polymer jet and custom print heads, or for 21cm x 26cm substrate size.

Standard features and functions include; controlled X-Y positioning, 16 x 12cm substrate size and print area, manual Z axis control of print head height, print-on-the-fly (both axes simultaneously), or point-to-point printing, arbitrary printing resolution and direction, complex print job definition through scripting.

Other functions provided as standard include; software based rotation correction, CCD camera for drop observation mounted at 15º allowing visualization of drop impact and coarse alignment to features, vibration isolated mounting surface, pneumatics and thermal controls, JetDrive drive electronics unit with bipolar and arbitrary waveform modes, and finally, single and burst modes.

Thanks to the speed, precision and digital nature of micro-dispensing technology it is equally suited to automated control in the manufacturing process or the research laboratory and consequently the Jetlab^® 4 system has many potential applications. For example; biomedical research, medical diagnostics, security printing, tissue engineering, drug delivery, displays, organic electronics, nano-metal conductors, micro assembly and microchemistry.